Kenyans React as Details Emerge on What Ruto’s Successor Must Do to Avoid Being Told ‘You Must Go’

Kenya’s growing public debt could remain one of the biggest challenges facing the country even after President William Ruto leaves office, lawyer and Safina Party Deputy Leader Willis Otieno has warned.

Otieno has cautioned that whoever succeeds Ruto, whether a man or a woman, must find a lasting solution to the debt problem or risk facing public anger within a short period of taking office.

In his remarks, Otieno argued that removing the current President would not automatically solve the economic problems facing ordinary Kenyans. He maintained that the next administration must focus on the country’s financial situation rather than relying on political promises.

“Anyone who takes over after Ruto, whether he or she, must address the debt problem. Otherwise, within a few days, Kenyans will also be saying, ‘He must go’,” Otieno said.

His remarks come as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, with the economy, taxation, government borrowing and the cost of living expected to remain major issues in political campaigns.

The country’s public debt continues to attract attention as the government struggles to balance its spending needs with revenue collection and loan repayments.

According to the Kenya National Debt Counter, the country’s estimated public debt stood at approximately KSh13.74 trillion on November 10, 2026.

The huge debt burden has raised questions about how the next government will manage public finances while ensuring that essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure receive adequate funding.

Otieno’s warning also puts pressure on presidential hopefuls to explain how they intend to handle the country’s financial challenges if elected.

As political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, Kenyans will be looking beyond promises and personalities to see whether candidates have practical plans for the economy.

The big question remains whether the next administration will succeed where previous governments have struggled.

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